Environmental Test Engineer Intern (Fall 2026)

Astranis; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 32,959 - 46,941; Part time

Job summary

Astranis is looking for an Environmental Test Engineer Intern for Fall 2026 in San Francisco, California. This internship offers a unique chance to work on challenging projects related to advanced satellite technology. The role involves designing and testing satellite hardware, conducting environmental tests, and utilizing various test equipment. Applicants must have a four-year engineering degree and strong communication skills. The position offers $29.00 per hour and requires onsite presence five days a week.

Qualifications

• Passion for hardware development in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize time effectively.
• Familiarity with automation and test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Work on interdisciplinary teams to design and test satellite hardware/software.
• Conduct environmental testing including vibration and thermal.
• Operate test equipment for successful test plan execution.

Skills

Hardware development

Strong communication skills

Time management ability

Familiarity with spacecraft systems

Education

Four-year degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Thermal chambers

Vibration tables

CAD software

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly‑sophisticated customers across the globe—large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.

Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Environmental Test Engineer Intern (Fall 2026)

Internships at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and are hourly roles designed for students who are currently enrolled at a four‑year university.

As an Intern, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems — we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on challenging projects, no matter their seniority. Many past interns have designed and tested hardware/software that is currently in space or heading to space shortly on one of our satellites, and many of them are now full‑time employees at Astranis.

If you have already graduated from a four‑year university, please apply to be an Associate Engineer.

Role

• Work on an interdisciplinary team to design, build, and test satellite hardware and software.
• Operate and set up environmental test equipment including:
  • Ambient thermal chambers
  • Thermal Vacuum Chambers (TVAC)
  • Vibration shaker tables
  • EMI/EMC test equipment
• Learn to use various pieces of test equipment and instruments (thermal chambers, vibration tables, DAQs, oscilloscopes, etc.) to successfully execute test plans.
• Set up, operate, and conduct environmental testing including vibration, acoustics, thermal, thermal vacuum, RF.

Requirements

• Have a four‑year degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical degree).
• A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast‑paced environment and hands‑on design and development.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize time effectively.
• Strong communication skills.
• Familiarity with spacecraft systems and operation.
• Must be onsite 5 days a week.

Bonus

• Hands‑on experience in designing, building, and testing.
• Experience writing Python code to interface with test equipment, process large datasets, visualize data.
• Experience in CAD.
• Direct electrical or mechanical design experience.
• Demonstrated ability to debug hardware and software problems under time pressure.

Base pay for this position is $29.00 per hour.

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required

(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.